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About the course

Education is a complex and intellectually challenging process and a basic purpose of it is to prepare young people to embrace a rapidly changing society. Our very successful full time, one year programme will help you to apply your graduate knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm to the imaginative and practical teaching of your subject to children of all abilities. It also enables you to qualify for the national Teachers’ Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

We are committed to the pursuit of excellence and learning in secondary education. The teaching team believes fully in the role that practising teachers have in training the next generation of teachers. Indeed, the programme is planned and implemented in partnership with the full involvement of partners in secondary schools. We believe in building strong cross-curricular links in order to share ideas and perspectives but also to develop a strong support structure for you within faculty sessions and whilst out in your placement.

Interview process

You will attend an interview day which will consist of a writing task, a short presentation (5 minutes) to the panel and fellow applicants and an interview conducted by small panel which will include members of the tutor team and may also include a representative from a partnership school.

The interview day is just as much for you to decide on the right course as it is for us to decide if you are right for the course. You will get an introduction to the course structure and support systems and there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

How school placements work

You will have two secondary placement schools with your PGCE. The first placement runs from the end of Sept to Christmas and the second longer placement is from January to the end of June. Students often comment that one of the key strengths of the course is that you start off with two days a week when starting your placements. This means that you can see the links between theory and practice and build your rapport with classes and your confidence in teaching.

Schools are selected for you from the placement offers from our partnership schools. We take into account where you live and whether you can drive when allocating. We have a clear placement policy that prioritises requirements, whether you have particular responsibilities, such as being a lone parent of young children.

You will be teaching 11-16 and will also receive A level enhancement experience across the 40-50 schools we partner with.

Fees

The course fees for 2019/2020 are as follows:

Student type

Fees to pay

UK students

£9,250

EU students

£9,250

International students

£13,000

The fee's displayed are those for 2018 entry, 2019 entry are still to be confirmed.

Financial support

You’ll get a bursary of £9,000 if you have a degree of 2:2 or above in any subject.

You don’t have to apply for a bursary - you’ll automatically start receiving it once you begin your course. Find out how you’ll be paid.

Financial support from the training provider

Student teachers currently* receive support with travel costs to placements that are greater than travelling from their registered term time address to the university.

*This policy is due to continue for the 2019/20 cohort.

Requirements

Qualifications

GCSE grade C or equivalent in English

Language and Mathematics

An honours degree (2:2 or above), or equivalent, from a recognised university. Your degree should be closely related to your chosen subject specialism.

If your degree is not closely related to the course then you may still be eligible via a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course. This will depend on factors such as whether you studied the subject at A level or if you have significant professional experience within the subject.

Personal qualities

Suitability for the PGCE Secondary programme is judged on a range of factors including academic qualifications, ability to work with other people and a real interest in learning and teaching.

We would encourage you to apply because a range of life experiences may well make you an excellent candidate for this course.

Other requirements

Professional Skills Tests

You will need to pass your professional skills tests (PST) prior to the start of the course. For more information please visit the Department of Education website.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure

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All offers made for this course are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

Fitness to Teach health screening

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You are required to complete Fitness to Teach health screening.

School experience is desirable, but not essential.

About the training provider

With a mission to advance knowledge and transform lives through education and research, the University of Plymouth is among the emerging global elite of modern higher education institutions.

Plymouth is distinguished by its approach to combining world-class research and teaching with a commitment to widening participation and social inclusion. We aim to ensure you have every opportunity to stretch yourself and explore within a supportive environment.

Our University campus is at the centre of a thriving, ocean front city in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.

Plymouth has everything you would expect from the largest city in the South West – major high street stores, theatres, multiplex cinema, art cinemas, and a wealth of small clubs and venues.

We also enjoy easy access to the fine beaches and beautiful countryside of the South West.

Training with disabilities and other needs

Disability Services is part of Learning Support and Wellbeing and is here to help with your study support requirements if you have a disability.

Whether you're a prospective student, applicant, current student or member of staff supporting students, we are here to assist.

More information on University of Plymouth Disability services can be found here

Support and advice

Get support and advice about teaching

Register with Get into Teaching, the Department for Education’s free support and advice service, for personalised guidance from teaching experts. They can help you to prepare your application, book school experience, and access exclusive teaching events. You can also call them free on 0800 389 2500, or speak to an adviser using their online chat service, from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Website support

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You can also call them free on 0800 389 2500, or speak to an adviser using their online chat service,
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